Placental Laterality as a Predictor for Development of Pre-Eclampsia

Background: Pre-eclampsia is one of the important causes of maternal mortality and morbidity. The objective of this study to find whether placental laterality as determined by ultrasound done between 18-24 weeks can be used as a predictor for the development of preeclampsia. Materials and Methods: This prospective study was conducted in Department of obstetrics and gynaecology attached to Madurai medical college, from September 2020-february 2021. One twenty pregnant women attending antenatal clinic both OPD and IP between 18-24 weeks of gestation without any high risk factors were subjected to ultrasound examination as a part of routine antenatal examination and placental location was determined. The women were divided into 2 groups : group A-with central placental location, group B-with lateral placental location. These cases were followed up for the development of preeclampsia. Results: Out of the 120 women studied 40 had central placenta (Group A) and 80 had laterally located placenta (group B). Out of the 80 with laterally located placenta 52 developed PIH. Out of 40 with centrally located placenta only 9 developed PIH. Out of the total 120 cases, 41 developed mild PIH (DBP 90-99mmhg). Of these 41 cases, 9 had centrally located placenta and 32 had laterally located placenta. 8 women developed moderate PIH (DBP 100-109mmhg) and all these have laterally located placenta. 12 women developed severe PIH (DBP?110mmhg) and all these had laterally located placenta. No cases of eclampsia were reported. Conclusion: Placental laterality determined by ultrasonography at 18-24 weeks is a simple, reliable, cost effective screening test for development of pre-eclampsia.